FELA KUTI - THE BEST OF THE BLACK PRESIDENT

Over the next 18 months, all 45 Fela Kuti’s titles will be remastered and re-released in unique digi-packs with the original artwork. This reissue series will also mark the first time all of Fela's titles will be released on vinyl in North America, along with the first official release of the entire catalog of Fela's 1960s highlife band Koola Lobitos. The first release of the series, The Best Of The Black President compiles 13 of the most popular Fela compositions. The deluxe edition of the CD comes with a DVD featuring segments from the film 'Music is the Weapon', performances from the Berlin Jazz Festival and interviews with choreographer/director Bill T. Jones and Fela biographer Carlos Moore. The impact of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's music in Africa - and worldwide - cannot be overstated.

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, he was a revolutionary and Africa's musical genius, the creator of Afrobeat - a genre combining traditional African highlife, jazz, James Brown funk grooves and Latin rhythms into a unique, toxic mix that is wholly his own. Fela's politically inflammatory songs laid bare the corruption, violence, and greed of the ruling regimes across the continent and world. Fela was arrested over a hundred times by the Nigerian government. Ultimately 1000 soldiers invaded and destroyed the Kalakuta Republic – Fela's living and performing compound that he shared with his 27 wives and mother – sending nearly all of the inhabitants to the hospital, or worse. Despite the death of his mother in the siege, Fela never stopped fighting the powers of imperialism, colonialism and racism with, as the legendary Fela Kuti put it, music as his weapon.

As we previously reported (see separate blog posting), in support of this re-launch of Fela Kuti’s music, Giant Step Records has organized official Felabration events in more than 15 cities across North America throughout the month of October; this outstanding schedule of Felabrations has brought together some of the best DJs, musicians, and promoters around to celebrate the life, music, and birthday of Fela Kuti. With the support of DJs such as Rich Medina, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, DJ Nu-Mark, DJ Day, Jeremy Sole, DJ Kemit, J-Justice, Adam Gibbons, DJ Sun, Chicken George and Frank Gossner, as well as artists such as Roy Ayers, WUNMI, Ikebe Shakdown, Baba Ola Jagun, Amon, and many more, these Felabrations have united the diverse communities and Tastemakers across the country that are instrumental in keeping Fela's music alive.

In addition to the re-release of the Fela Kuti’s catalog, and the Felabratiojns is a new Broadway show. Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones is the director and choreographer of the new Broadway musical, FELA!, based on the life and music of the legend. The critically acclaimed musical will open at the Eugen O'Neill Theatre in New York on November 23. Sold-out crowds were left dancing in the aisles during its premiere last summer at Off-Broadway 37 Arts, as the world renowned Antibalas and otther members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of Aaron Johnson, performed Fela's music live onstage. "The timing couldn't be more perfect," says Knitting Factory Records label manager Ian Wheeler. "With the play opening, it made the most sense to start the reissue series in the fall. We are taking great care working with Fela's estate to make the reissue series the most true to the artist's original concepts than ever before. We have a lot of fun ideas up our sleeves too."

FEDERICO AUBELE - AMATORIA REMIXED

ESL Music artist, Federico Aubele’s sultry musical ode to love, Amatoria, gets the remix treatment as Amatoria Remixed. The original version of Amatoria is Federico Aubele’s newest and most personal album yet. Inspired by the classic and passionate sounds of bolero and Argentinian tango, Aubele infuses his distinctive Spanish guitar sound with sultry vocals and subtle electronic beats to create a unique collage of intimate love songs. Entirely self-produced, Amatoria features vocal collaborations with Natalia Clavier, Sabina Sciubba of The Brazilian Girls, and Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto. Amatoria Remixed features six superbly re-worked tracks, this short album is a gem for DJs and fans of beefy electronic rhythms. “Luna Y Sol” is transformed by Lance Herbstrong into an exercise in throbbing basslines and stomping percussion, while Gianma provides upbeat breaks and house remixes of “Otra Vez” for the dancefloor. ESL cohorts Ancient Astronauts serve up a dub-hop version of “Este Amor” while Son of Kick turns “Suena Mi Guitara” into an epic electro-glitch dancefloor smasher. Pablo Anglade closes this set with a gliding minimal-techno version of “Amatoria” infused with Federico’s hypnotic guitar work. Amatoria Remixed is available now for digital download and purchase worldwide. In the meantime Federico Aubele has scheduled a series of tour dates in support of this collection.

Oct 30 @ The Rivoli, Toronot, Canada
Oct 31 @ Schuba’s, Chicago, IL
Nov 1 @ Schuba’s, Chicago, IL
Nov. 3 @ The Varsity Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
Nov 8 @ Mountain Stage, Charleston, WV
Nov 28 @ Oran Mor, Glascow, Scotland
Nov 29 @ The Social, London, UK
Nov 30 @ Academy 2, Dublin, Ireland

ALESSANDRO MAGNANINI – SOMEWAY STILL I DO

New from Italy’s Schema label is the debut album from Alessandro Magnanini, entitled Someway I Still Do. If you previously enjoyed the music of Mario Biondi’s A Handful Of Soul album, then you will enjoy this as it follows the same vein. Magnanini is the songwriter responsible for “This Is Who You Are” and “No Mercy For Me” (both from Biondi’s A Handful Of Soul). Magnanini utilized the great pop productions from the past for his main sources of inspiration, where the melodies are predominately easy listening in style, but with a cool jazz approach. The melodies are uniquely identified along with arrangements by Claus Ogerman, among others, and are reminiscent of those that you may have heard in the style of Astrud Gilberto, the orchestral atmospheric arrangements of Shirley Bassey, and the playful evocative sounds of Henry Mancini. Alessandro Magnanini has enlisted the talents of beautiful and dreamy voices to convey his message, and they are Liam McKahey, Jenny B., Stefania Rava, Rosalia De Souza, and Renata Tosi. The entire album is comprised of original compositions which make up this imaginary soundtrack. It’s definitely worth a listen.

Someway Still I Do Track Listing:
1. Open Up Your Eyes (featuring Jenny B.)
2. Living’ My Life (featuring Liam McKahey)
3. So Long, Goodbye (featuring Jenny B.)
4. Secret Lover (featuring Jenny B.)
5. Greeting From Here
6. But Not For You (featuring Liam McKahey)
7. Someway Still I Do (featuring Liam McKahey)
8. Stay Into My Life (featuring Renata Tosi)
9. L’Estate E’ Qua (featuring Rosalia De Souza)
10. Suddenly
11. Something Fine (featuring Stefania Rava)
12. Blind Date Blues

NICOLA CONTE - THE MODERN SOUND OF NICOLA CONTE - VERSIONS IN JAZZ DUB

With just one year after releasing the internationally successful Rituals album, Italian jazz-head Nicola Conte returns with a double-cd entitled The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions In Jazz Dub. This new release compiles a series of re-worked, remixed, and fully new arranged tracks that he has produced in the last few years. From Italy to Brasil, Latin America, the USA, Japan and back to Scandinavia and Germany, The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions In Jazz Dub takes us on a journey into the most tasteful sounds you can get when it comes to Bossa flavored Jazz, Latin excursions and soulful grooves. To complement the masterful takes on other musicians’ recordings, 8 of the 26 tracks on this impressive collection are Nicola’s own. Some have never before released before, and stem from the sessions to his sought after albums, Other Directions and Rituals. Working with some of the world’s finest musicians, Nicola’s The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions In Jazz Dub, features household names such as Mark Murphy, Till Brönner, and The Five Corner Quintet, who like Nicola Conte, are dedicated to preserve the spirit of the best in 1950’s and 1960’s jazz, while percussionists Roberto Roena and Luisito Quintero represent two generations of Latin rhythm fever. The music of The Bobby Hughes Combination and American group Thunderball (from Thievery Corporation’s ESL Records) both comes from a more eclectic and electronic background, but Nicola turns their respective tracks into elegant Jazz takes nevertheless. This he does also with Japanese guests such as Akiko, Maki Mannami and the Sunaga T Experience. On Nicola’s reworkings of the various tracks and on his own takes, you hear him alongside his fabulous sessions musicians like Pietro Ciancaglini, Daniele Scannapieco, Lorenzo Tucci, Pietro Lussu, Gaetano Partipilo, Rosario Giuliani and Sandro Deida, Fabrizio Bosso, Flavio Boltro, and the Finn Teppo Mäkynen and Timo Lassy. On vocals you hear the talents of Lisa Bassenge, Maki Mannami, Kim Sanders, Alice Ricciardi, José James and Philipp Weiss. Nicola Conte is not only one of today’s most elegant Jazz producers but also a perfectionist in sound. Listening to the 26 tracks of The Modern Sound Of Nicola Conte – Versions in Jazz Dub you will learn to love the extraordinary sound and music qualities provided. While many artists will remix music simply by using software tools and letting the computer do the work, Nicola Conte’s method of re-recording live takes with his own musicians make his Versions In Jazz Dub a most enjoyable pleasure and a welcome addition to his artistic catalogue.

Track list
1. Mark Murphy - Stolen Moments (Midnight Mood Rework)
2. Thunderball - Elevated States
3. Akiko - Mood Indigo
4. Fertile Ground - Yellow Daisies
5. re:jazz - Quiet Night (Out Of Cool Version)
6. Nicola Conte - When I Wish Upon A Star
7. Bitter:Sweet - Heaven (West Coast Vibes Remix)
8. Nicola Conte feat. Jose James - All Or Nothing At All
9. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - New Blues
10. Maki Mannami - Lotus Sun
11. The Dining Rooms - Flamenco Sketches (New Rhumba Version)
12. Nicola Conte - Charade
13. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Castles In The Rain
14. Till Bronner - So Danço Samba (Nicola Conte Rework)
15. Sabrina Malheiros - Terra De Ninguem
16. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Solo
17. Marco Di Marco - Take Off (Campi's Idea Version)
18. The Five Corners Quintet - Corner (Nicola Conte Rework)
19. Roberto Roena - Take Five (Nicola Conte Remix)
20. Bobby Hughes Combination - Kerma Elastica (Nicola Conte Remix)
21. Povo - You Are
22. Luisito Quintero - Our Love
23. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Groovy Samba
24. Sunaga t Experience - No Reason No Rhyme (Mode For Tatsuo)
25. Sunaga t Experience - A Healing Blue
26. Nicola Conte Jazz Combo - Black Is The Graceful Veil (Acoustic Version)

THE DECEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR

Matisyahu @ Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT, Dec 1
George Winston @ Baruch Performing Arts Center, New York, NY, Dec 1
David Sanborn @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Dec 1
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Rams Head, Annapolis, MD, Dec 1

Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White @ The Blue Note,
Tokyo, Japan, Dec 1-2

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
King Center For The Performing Arts, Melbourne, FL, Dec 2

Matisyahu @ House Of Blues, Cleveland, OH, Dec 2
Zero 7 @ Club Soda, Montreal, QC, Dec 2
Zero 7 @ Phoenix, Toronto, ON, Dec 3
Matisyahu @ Bogart’s, Cincinnati, OH, Dec 3
The Three Degrees @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Dec 3
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Pageant, St. Louis, MO, Dec 3
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Higher Ground, Burlington, VT, Dec 3

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Infinity Music Hall & Bistro,
Norfolk, CT, Dec 3

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Dec 3

Candy Dulfer @ Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Dec 3-4

David Sanborn Group @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 3-5, 10-12

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Playhouse Square Center/Palace Theatre, Cleveland, OH, Dec 4

Branford Marsalis @ Avalon Theatre, Easton, MD, Dec 4
George Winston @ Buffalo State PAC, Buffalo, NY, Dec 4
Zero 7 @ Metro, Chicago, IL, Dec 4
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Lupo’s, Providence, RI, Dec 4
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ B.B. Kings, New York, NY, Dec 4
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Midland, Kansas City, MO, Dec 4

Chris Botti @ Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 4-5

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ N. Charleston Performing Arts Center,
N. Charleston, SC, Dec 5

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Chicago Auditorium, Chicago, IL, Dec 5

Al Jarreau @ Paramount Theatre, Peekskill, NY, Dec 5
Zero 7 @ Epic, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 5
Medeski Martin & Wood @ Port Music Hall, Portland, ME, Dec 5
Average White Band @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Dec 5
Branford Marsalis @ New Jersey PAC, Newark, NJ, Dec 5
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TN, Dec 5
Average White Band @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Dec 5
Boney James @ Boulder Station, Las Vegas, NV, Dec 5
Herb Alpert @ Orange County PAC, Costa Mesa, CA, Dec 5
Michael McDonald @ Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA, Dec 5
Ledisi @ Nokia Live, Grand Prairie, TX, Dec 6
Chris Botti @ Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL, Dec 6
George Winston @ Berrie Center, Mahwaw, NJ, Dec 6

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ Curtis M. Phillips Center,
Gainesville, FL, Dec 6

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH, Dec 6

Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Nokia Theatre, Dallas, TX, Dec 6

Sadao Watanabe, Kenny Garrett @ The Blue Note,
Nagoya, Japan, Dec 6-10

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Ferguson Center For The Arts, Newport News, VA, Dec 7

Matisyahu @ St. Andrews Hall, Detroit, MI, Dec 7
Zero 7 @ Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO, Dec 7
Corinne Bailey Rae @ HIRO Ballroom, New York, NY, Dec 7
Zero 7 @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO, Dec 8
Matisyahu @ The Armory, Rochester, NY, Dec 8
Michael McDonald @ The Granada, Santa Barbara, CA, Dec 8
Bebel Gilberto @ Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA, Dec 8
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 8
Chaka Khan @ Royal Centre, Nottingham, UK, Dec 8

Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Lenny White @ Hult Center
For Performing Arts, Eugene, OR, Dec 8

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
The Palace Theatre, Waterbury, CT, Dec 8

Sting, Chris Botti @ Cathedral of St. John The Divine, New York, NY, Dec 8-9

Charlie Hunter @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 8-9

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Community Theatre, Morristown, NJ, Dec 9

Zero 7 @ Depot, Salt Lake City, UT, Dec 9
Bebel Gilberto @ Henry Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 9
George Winston @ Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA, Dec 9
Stanley Clarke @ Aladdin Theatre, Portland, OR, Dec 9
CeU @ Teatro des Artes, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Dec 9
Michael McDonald @ Star Of The Desert Arena, Primm, NV, Dec 9
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ The Fine Line, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 9
Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Music Mill, Indianapolis, IN, Dec 10
Chaka Khan @ Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, UK, Dec 10
Bebel Gilberto @ Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco, CA, Dec 10
Charlie Hunter @ Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR, Dec 10
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Chris’ Jazz Café, Philadelphia, PA, Dec 10-11

Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Lenny White @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley,
Seattle, WA, Dec 10-12

Natalie Cole @ Concert/Filming Mormon Tabernacle,
Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec 10-13

Acoustic Alchemy @ Pizza Express Jazz Club,
London, UK, Dec 10-23; 27-31

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco, CA, Dec 11

Will Downing @ Star Palace Theatre, Merrillville, IN, Dec 11
Charlie Hunter @ Stillwater, Ashland, OR, Dec 11
George Winston @ George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, Dec 11
Michael McDonald @ Visalia Fox Theatre, Visalia, CA, Dec 11
Zero 7 @ Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR, Dec 11
John Mayer @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, Dec 11
McCoy Tyner @ Symphony Theatre, Chicago, IL, Dec 11
Brian Culberson, Michael Lington @ Gilly’s, Dayton, OH, Dec 11
Dionne Warwick @ Cypress Bayou Pavilion, Clarenton, LA, Dec 11
UB40, Eddy Grant @ 02 Arena, London, UK, Dec 12
Bebel Gilberto @ Holocene, Portland, OR, Dec 12
Charlie Hunter @ The Red Fox, Eureka, CA, Dec 12
Chaka Khan @ Bournemouth Int’l Centre, Bournemouth, UK, Dec 12
Chris Botti @ Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ, Dec 12
Stevie Wonder @ Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 12
Michael McDonald @ San Jose Civic Auditorium, San Jose, CA, Dec 12
Zero 7 @ Showbox, Seattle, WA, Dec 12
Thievery Corporation, 18th Street Lounge, Washington, DC, Dec 12

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ House of Blues,
Cleveland, OH, Dec 12

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA, Dec 12

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Dec 13

Chris Botti @ Heinz Hall For The Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, PA, Dec 13
Chaka Khan @ Plymouth Pavilions, Sun Plymouth, UK, Dec 13
Charlie Hunter @ Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol, CA, Dec 13
Bebel Gilberto @ Showbox At The Market, Seattle, WA, Dec 13
Michael McDonald @ Turlock Community Theatre, Turlock, CA, Dec 13
Zero 7 @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC, Dec 13
Chaka Khan @ Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth, UK, Dec 14
Bebel Gilberto @ Commodore, Vancouver, BC, Dec 14
Charlie Hunter @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, CA, Dec 14

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Catalina Bar & Grill,
Los Angeles, CA, Dec 14-16

Dionne Warwick @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 14-16
Ledisi @ Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 14-15, 17
Chris Botti @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, Dec 14-31

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Wells Fargo Center For The Arts, Santa Rosa, CA, Dec 15

George Winston @ Campanile Center For The Arts, Minocqua, WI, Dec 15
Zero 7 @ Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA, Dec 15
Charlie Hunter @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Dec 15-17
Michael McDonald @ Capital One Bank Theatre, Westbury, NY, Dec 16
Zero 7 @ Orpheum, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 16
Chaka Khan @ Apollo Manchester, Manchester, UK, Dec 16

Michael McDonald @ Sandler For The Performing Arts,
Virginia Beach, VA, Dec 17

Zero 7 @ House Of Blues, San Diego, CA, Dec 17

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Plaza Theatre, El Paso, TX, Dec 17

George Winston @ Thrasher Opera House, Green Lake, WI, Dec 17
Chaka Khan @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK, Dec 17
Natalie Cole @ Beau Rivage Resort, Biloxi, MS, Dec 17-18
Ledisi @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 17-20

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Radisson Hotel Ballroom, Sacramento, CA, Dec 18

Michael McDonald @ F.M. Kirby Center For The Performing Arts,
Wilkes-Barre, PA, Dec 18

Lalah Hathaway @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 18
Tortured Soul @ Double Door, Chicago, IL, Dec 18
Chaka Khan @ Hull City Hall, Hull, UK, Dec 18
Dionne Warwick @ Fairmont Singapore Hotel, Singapore, Singapore, Dec 18
Kenny G @ Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC, Dec 18
Charlie Hunter @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Dec 18-20
Ledisi @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 18-20

Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington @ Yoshi’s,
San Francisco, CA, Dec 18-20

Natalie Cole @ Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, FL, Dec 19
Fourplay @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Dec 19
Will Downing @ Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA, Dec 19

Eric Benet @ TBA, Seoul, South Korea, Dec 19

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA, Dec 19-20

George Winston @ Minnesota Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN, Dec 20
Michael McDonald @ Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI, Dec 20
Chaka Khan @ Opera House, Sun Blackpool, UK, Dec 20
Fourplay @ Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA, Dec 20
Aaron Neville @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 20
Dionne Warwick @ Siam Pavalai, Bangkok, Thailand, Dec 20
Dionne Warwick @ Wattana Church, Bangkok, Thailand, Dec 21
Natalie Cole @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Dec 21
Eric Benet @ TBA, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 21
Chaka Khan @ Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, UK, Dec 21
George Winston @ Crossings At Carnegie, Zumbrota, MN, Dec 21-22

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Mesa Arts Center/Ikeda Theatre, Mesa, AZ, Dec 22

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Gibson Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 23

John Mayer Trio @ Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA, Dec 23
Brian Setzer Orchestra @ The Joint, Las Vegas, NV, Dec 23

B.B. King @ Star Of The Desert Arena, Primm, NV, Dec 26
Pieces Of A Dream @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 26
Eric Benet @ TBA, Yokosuda, Japan, Dec 27
Regina Belle @ B.B. Kings, New York, NY, Dec 26
David Benoit @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 26-27
Dionne Warwick @ Lensic PAC, Santa Fe, NM, Dec 27
B.B. King @ Belly Up, Aspen, CO, Dec 28
Eric Benet @ TBA, Yokota, Japan, Dec 28
Regina Belle @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Dec 28
Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes@ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Dec 29
Incognito @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 29-31
Poncho Sanchez @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Dec 29-31
B.B. King @ Vilar Center, Beaver Creek, CO, Dec 29

Ledisi @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Dec 29
John Mayer @ Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA, Dec 29

McCoy Tyner @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Dec 29-31
Ledisi @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Dec 29-31
KEM @ The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA, Dec 30

Blood, Sweat & Tears @ Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel,
Las Vegas, NV, Dec 31

Bobby Caldwell @ Scullers Jazz Club & The Doubletree,
Boston, MA, Dec 31

John Mayer Trio @ The Joint, Las Vegas, NV, Dec 31
B.B. King @ Mabee Center, Tulsa, OK, Dec 31

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Walt Disney Concert Hall,
Los Angeles, CA, Dec 31

Kim Waters @ Hyatt Regency Resort, Huntington Beach, CA, Dec 31
Bobby Caldwell @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Dec 31

Rick Braun, Brian Bromberg, Richard Elliot, David Benoit,
Philippe Saisse, Chuck Loeb @ JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort &
Spa, Tucson, AZ, Dec 31

FREE DOWNLOAD OF COOL URBAN JAZZ CD

Shanachie record label is offering a free download on Amazon.com of a smooth jazz sampler album that includes a track from singer and East St. Louis native Phil Perry. The sampler album is called Shanachie: Cool Urban Jazz, and also includes songs from drummer Norman Connors, saxophonist Kim Waters, singer Maysa, The Sax Pack, saxophonist Everette Harp, Streetwize, and saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa.You can download the whole album or individual tracks in .mp3 form for free here. Shanachie Records was founded in 1976 by Richard Nevins and Dan Collins and is one of the largest independent record labels in the world, and is currently distributed E1 Music. Starting as speciality fiddle music label they released work by Celtic groups such as Planxty, Clannad, and The Chieftans. Other genres on the label include Latin American, African music, soul, country, ska and smooth jazz. In 1989 they acquired Yazoo Records from Nick Perls which allowed them to release vintage jazz and blues recordings. The Shanachie roster includes Euge Groove, Everette Harp, The Sax Pack, Ted Winn, Calvin Richardson, Down To The Bone, Leela James, Swing Out Sister, Craig Chaquico, Norman Connors, Inner Circle, Jeff Kashiwa, Melba Moore, and Phil Perry.

NEW RELEASES FROM BRAND NEW HEAVIES, JOSS STONE, GILLES PETERSON, YOLANDA JOHNSON & MORE...

Brand New Heavies – Live In London
Brazilian Groove Band – Anatomy Of A Groove
Brian McKnight – Evolution Of A Man
Brigitte Fontaine – Prohibition
Cayetano – The Big Fall
Clonious – Between The Dots
Don Tiki – South Of The Boudoir
Giselle Smith – Giselle Sith & The Mighty Mocambos
Houston Person – Mellow
Jason Lindner – Now Vs. Now
Jazzin’ Park – A Day In The Life
Jazzra – Soulounge
Joss Stone – Colour Me Free!
M-Swift Presents 24 Carat – Blue In Black
Mayer Hawthorne – Strange Arrangement
Medeski Martin & Wood – Radiolarians III
Mike Reid – People Place: Things About Us
Natalie Cole – Merry Christmas, Darling
Nicolay – City Lights Volume 2: Shibuya
Opolopo – Beyond Jipanagu
Oscar Castro-Nieves - Bossa Nova Celebration All-Stars Live At The Blue Note Tokyo
Ray Lugo’s LES Express – I Dream Of Bahia/Get On Up
Ryuichi Sakamoto – Playing The Piano
Various Artists – Cuban Pearls 4: Latin Jazz
Various Artists – Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Culture: New Cuban Sound
Various Artists – Impossible Ark: A Compilation
Various Artists – Jazz Swings Motown
Various Artists – Kay Rush Unlimited VIII
Various Artists – Sister Bossa Vol. 9 – Cool Jazzy Cuts Wit A Brazilian Flavour
Various Artists – Soul Unsigned Vol. 3
Various Artists – Spaced Out Jazz
Various Artists – Tru Thoughts 10th Anniversary
Various Artists – Twilight Jazz
Yolanda Johnson - Breathing

AL/CAPONE BAND - MR. SMOOTH

Who says the sound of smooth jazz is dead, well not so for Mr. Smooth, the new smooth jazz CD from the Al/Capone Band charted at number 45 on the Smooth Indie Star its first week of reporting. The CD, a mix of smooth jazz, fusion, R&B, funk and Latin music, is now being aired on 47 radio stations around the country. Kudos out to all those stations that still embrace the smooth jazz format. "Mr. Smooth brings the listener many styles of music on one CD," says Jeep Capone, Al/Capone's band leader and drummer. "Although we're found under the smooth jazz genre, our band crosses the lines giving us a unique sound that appeals to a wider audience. I think it's that smooth blend of musical styles that makes all the difference." One popular cut from Mr. Smooth, Jamatude, is receiving air play on the 47 stations and three more songs from the eleven-song CD have already been edited for radio, and are on their way to more stations. Mr. Smooth is presented by The CC Entertainment label and receives air play through All That Jazz. Al/Capone is a high-energy six-piece smooth/pop jazz band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The music is contemporary and melody driven while always remaining true to its jazz roots. The band's website, http://www.caponelive.com/ contains personal biographies of the band members, history, Al/Capone band merchandise, upcoming performance venues, and the official band newsletter. You can also visit The Vault, to listen to past recordings from the Al/Capone Band.

For more information click to http://www.caponelive.com/

ZERO 7 TO TOUR IN THE U.S.& CANADA

Zero 7, the Grammy Award-nominated downtempto-styled musical duo comprising of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker are set to tour commencing on November 26 in the United States. Zero 7 will perform the following concerts: November 26 at 9:30 Club in Washington DC; November 27 at Terminal 5 in New York NY; November 28 at House of Blues in Boston MA; November 29 at TLA in Philadelphia PA; November 30 at Rams Head in Baltimore MD; December 2 at Club Soda Montreal QC; December 3 at Phoenix in Toronto ON; December 4 at Metro in Chicago IL; December 5 at Epic in Minneapolis MN; December 7 at Ogden Theatre in Denver CO; December 8 at Belly Up in Aspen CO; December 9 at Depot in Salt Lake City UT; December 11 at Wonder Ballroom in Portland OR; December 12 at Showbox in Seattle WA; December 13 at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver BC; December 15 at Warfield Theatre in San Francisco CA; December 16 at Orpheum in Los Angeles CA; and December 17 at House of Blues in San Diego CA. Zero 7 have been popularly featured in various film and TV soundtracks, as well as lounge music compilations such as The Chillout Project by Filipino DJ Anton Ramos, and the Hotel Costes compilation CDs. Their music appearances in movies and television are also apparent, most notably their songs "Destiny" (Blue Crush, Raising Helen, Smallville, Roswell, Obsessed), "Give It Away" (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), and "In The Waiting Line" (Garden State, Sex and the City House, Numbe3rs).

MOTOWN - THE COMPLETE NO. 1'S & MOTOWN 50 - THE DVD

New (and just in time for the holidays) is the 10-CD box set Motown: The Complete No. 1's (Motown/UMe) which brings together every Motown No. 1 hit, from every U.S. and international chart and from every genre - a staggering 192 tracks-plus 10 bonus tracks whose cover versions were No. 1, for a total of 202 No. 1 recordings. Housed in a replica of the original Motown headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A., Motown: The Complete No. 1's spans generations of musical memories, beginning with 1961's R&B No. 1 "Shop Around" from The Miracles, and the label's first Pop No. 1, "Please Mr. Postman" from The Marvelettes. From The Supremes' five consecutive No. 1's, starting with "Where Did Our Love Go," to The Temptations' immortal "My Girl," this is the soundtrack to the sixties, seventies and beyond, concluding with 2000's "Bag Lady" from Erykah Badu. Heard too are Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Commodores, Rick James, Lionel Richie, Boyz II Men, and more.

Motown Records changed the sound of popular music and also its face. With Motown artists appearing on television's music and variety shows, the label put African-Americans in the spotlight like no other music company ever had. In this 50th anniversary year of Motown's founding, Motown 50 - The DVD (Motown/UMe), to be released November 3, 2009, presents 18 classic and often rare television performances from 1965 through 1971 featuring some of the label's greatest artists performing their biggest hits. Some of the DVD's highlights include the Marvelettes on Teen Town with Motown's first Pop #1 hit "Please Mr. Postman"; a luminous live "The Tears Of A Clown" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles on The Andy Williams Show; The Supremes with a hardly seen "Back In My Arms Again" on The Mike Douglas Show; and Martha & the Vandellas performing "Dancing In The Street" on The Ed Sullivan Show and "Nowhere To Run" while on the Ford Mustang assembly line for a Murray The K TV special, a famed clip where they show deft footwork while avoiding workers continuing to build cars.

Motown: The DVD includes highlights from national Hollywood-based shows - such as Hullabaloo, from which the DVD shows the Marvelettes singing their 1966 hit "Don't Mess With Bill" and Hollywood A-Go-Go, featuring a young Marvin Gaye doing the "Hitch Hike" - to local and syndicated series. From Los Angeles' Shivaree is Brenda Holloway's "Every Little Bit Hurts"; from Philadelphia's Hy Lit Show is a rare color clip of the Contours grinding to "Do You Love Me"; from Cleveland's Upbeat are David Ruffin's "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)" and Edwin Starr's "War"; and from Motown's own Detroit come Swingin' Time with Kim Weston's "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)" and Stevie Wonder's "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and the short-lived Teen Town with the Temptations' "My Girl."

Gaye is also heard on the Live From The Bitter End series from New York City with a suave version of "Ain't That Peculiar." Gladys Knight & the Pips lay down an electric "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" for the 1972 Save The Children Concert from Chicago. Two performances hail from across the Atlantic: the Four Tops with an exciting "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" on the Belgian show Tienerklanken and Jimmy Ruffin with "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" for the German TV series Beat Club.

To enhance the experience, Motown 50 - The DVD allows the listener to choose the audio: original broadcast audio and, where available, original single mono mix, remastered stereo or 5.1 Surround. Additional features include vintage interviews with Motown founder Berry Gordy, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight & the Pips and others, interspersed between clips; plus bonus material that includes the full interview segment from a Teen Town special with Berry Gordy and Motown's head of sales, Barney Ales; personal, never-before-released footage from a seventies Motown picnic; and an entertaining retrospective of news, entertainment and advertisements from 1959, the year Motown was launched.

The celebration of Motown 50 continues around the globe with events, special programming, exhibits, etc. An irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy's legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. That influence is still being felt today, from pop to hip-hop, as Motown celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. Today, Motown is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

http://www.classic.motown.com/

BRIAN MCKNIGHT - EVOLUTION OF A MAN

E1 Music has announced the release of Evolution Of A Man, the new studio album by R&B singer and radio broadcaster Brian McKnight, on October 27th, 2009. The first single off of the album, "What I've Been Waiting For," is already Top 10 at Urban A/C radio and continues to climb! Additionally, Brian McKnight has a syndicated urban radio show "The Brian McKnight Show," which can be heard in 47 markets. He also hosts a Top 5 rated show 2 years running with "The Brian McKnight Morning Show," on KTWV, The Wave Smooth Jazz radio. Brian's latest project, "The Brian McKnight Show," his new late night television talk show, debuted on September 26th, 2009 and is syndicated in over 200 U.S. markets. Throughout his career Brian McKnight has released 11 albums throughout his career, 7 of them having gone Platinum, and has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. He has toured successfully for over a decade and has collaborated with performers across every genre including Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Puffy, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Willie Nelson and Kenny G.

Evolution Of A Man Track listing:
1. The Brian McKnight Show
2. Just A Little Bit
3. I Betcha Never
4. What I've Been Waiting For
5. When Ur Lovin' Me
6. Never Say Goodbye
7. Stay Tuned
8. Next 2 U
9. I Miss You
10. Always Be My Baby
11. Baby It's You
12. While
13. Another You
14. Not Alone

To listen to the single "What I've Been Waiting For," click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjN1cFh81H8&feature=channel_page
www.brian-mcknight.com

NATALIE COLE - MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLING

Multi-channel retailer HSN has teamed up with Natalie Cole for her newest Christmas release, Merry Christmas Darling. The shopping network kicked off the holidays in style when renowned vocalist Natalie Cole appeared live on HSN this past October 17. Cole performed songs from a special two-disc CD set featuring her chart-topping release Still Unforgettable, which launched in 2008, along with Merry Christmas, Darling, an exclusive collection of classic holiday favorites. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!", "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas", "Merry Christmas Darling" and "My Favorite Things" will all be featured on the special holiday disc. "Having Natalie Cole on HSN is the perfect way for our customers to get into the holiday spirit," said Andy Sheldon, HSN's Executive Vice President of Television and Executive Creative Director. "We are thrilled to have her performing live on HSN and have created a beautiful, intimate setting for her to sing these holiday standards for a studio audience, as well as millions of viewers." Ms. Cole, the daughter of legendary artist, Nat 'King' Cole, is a nine-time Grammy Award winner and has also received Album & Record of the Year Awards for Unforgettable...With Love, the predecessor to Still Unforgettable. Still Unforgettable, Cole's 21st studio album, won two Grammys this year and was Cole's first time producing. Cole's career dates back to 1975, when she introduced herself to the music scene with the #1 hit, "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)".DMI Music CEO/Chief Creative Officer Tena Clark was executive producer of both Merry Christmas, Darling and Still Unforgettable, with Ms. Cole and Gail Deadrick serving as co-producers. Ms. Clark is also responsible for bringing Natalie Cole to HSN for this holiday exclusive. The exclusive set, a must-have for holiday entertaining and gifting alike, is also available for $19.90 (plus $2.99 for shipping & handling) on hsn.com, keywords: Natalie Cole.

ERIC BENET'S SEXY SOUL TOUR

Eric Benét is heading out for a 19-city tour called the “Sexy Soul Tour” beginning October 29th in Houston’s Verizon Wireless Theatre. Benét has long been considered one of the most romantic live performers out there with a legion of devoted fans. The handsome R&B Grammy nominated crooner will be joined by Mint Condition and Ledisi. Benét's most recent ultra-romantic CD, “Love and Life,” debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at No. 11 and was a collaboration with longtime production partner Demonte Posey. People Magazine, which gave “Love and Life” 3 1/2 stars, glowed, “Fans of the female persuasion will rejoice when they hear the R&B singer/songwriter regain his footing.”

Eric Benet Sexy Soul Tour Fall 2009 Schedule
October 29 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless
October 31 - Atlanta, GA @ The Fox Theatre
November 1 - Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
November 5 - Cincinnati, OH @ The Music Hall
November 6 - Cleveland, OH @ The Palace Theatre
November 7 - Detroit, MI @ The Masonic Temple Theatre
November 8 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside Theatre
November 12 - Minneapolis, MN @ The State Theatre
November 13 - Chicago, IL @ The Arie Crown
November 19 - New York, NY @ The Beacon Theatre
November 20 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Academy Of Music
November 21 - Norfolk, VA @ The Chrysler Theatre
December 3 - St. Louis, MO @ @ The Pageant
December 4 - Kansas City, MO @ The Midland
December 5 - Memphis, TN @ The Orpheum Theatre
December 6 - Dallas, TX @ The Nokia Theatre
December 19 – Seoul, South Korea @ TBA
December 21 – Tokyo, Japan @ TBA
December 27 – Yokosuka, Japan @ TBA
December 28 – Yokota, Japan @ TBA

THE NOVEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR

Lee Ritenour @ TBA, Friedrichshafen, Germany, Nov 1
Federico Aubele @ Shuba’s, Chicago, IL, Oct 31
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ Oven Auditorium, Charlotte, NC, Nov. 1
Joe Sample Trio @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan Nov 1-5
Matisyahu @ The Pageant, St. Louis, MO, Nov 2
Lee Ritenour @ TBA, Munich, Germany, Nov 2
Candy Dulfer @ Jazz Lights, Lunen, Germany, Nov 2
Melba Moore @ The Triad, New York, NY, Nov 2
Laura Izibor @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Nov 3
Lee Ritenour @ TBA, Darstadt, Germany, Nov 3
Federico Aubele @ Varsity Theatre, Minneapolis, MN, Nov 3
Inner Circle @ Downtown Brew, San Luis Obispo, CA, Nov 3
Ivo Neame, Jim Hart @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, Nov 3
Matisyahu @ House Of Blues, Chicago, IL, Nov 3
Dizzy Gillespie All Stars @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 3
The Temptations @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Nov 3-4
Victor Bailet @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 4
Inner Circle @ Moe’s, Santa Cruz, CA, Nov 4
Geoff Eales, @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, Nov 4
Gerald Albright @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Nov 5
Geoff Eales @ The Forge, Basingstoke, UK, Nov 5
Inner Circle @ Harlow’s, Sacramento, CA, Nov 5
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH, Nov 5
Lee Ritenour @ Aalenar Jazzfest, Aalen, Germany, Nov 5
Dave Stapelton Quintet @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, Nov 5
Marc Broussard @ The Parish, Austin, TX, Nov 5
Natalie Cole @ Salem Civic Center, Salem, VA, Nov 5
Matisyahu @ Slowdown, Omaha, NE, Nov 5
Candy Dulfer @ Metropool, Hengelo, Netherlands, Nov 5
Susan Tedeschi @ Ram’s Had, Annapolis, MD, Nov 5
Chris Botti @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 6
Inner Circle @ Rockit Room, San Francisco, CA, Nov 6
Will Downing @ Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham, NC, Nov 6
Natalie Cole @ Sandler Center, Virginia Beach, VA, Nov 6
Marc Broussard @ The House Of Blues, Houston, TX, Nov 6
Gerald Albright @ Rams Head, Annapolis, MD, Nov 6
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Plaza Theatre, Cleveland, OH, Nov 6
King Sunny Ade @ Knight Concert Hall, Miami, FL, Nov 6
McCoy Tyner @ Terrace Theatre, Washington, DC. Nov 6
U-Nam, Michael Paulo @ The Cellar, Long Beach, CA, Nov 6

Susan Tedeschi @ Westhampton Beach PAC,
Westhampton Beach, NH, Nov 6

Paquito D’Rivera Quintet @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Nov 6-9
Gerald Albright @ Halton Theater, Charlotte, NC, Nov 7
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Masonic Temple Theatre, Detroit, MI, Nov 7
Natalie Cole @ Chris Everett Event, Boca Raton, FL, Nov 7
Inner Circle @ Bill’s Casino, Lake Tahoe, NV, Nov 7
George Duke, Anita Baker @ Nokia Theater, Los Angeles, CA, Nov 7
Lee Ritenour @ Ingolstader Jazzstage, Ingolstadt, Germany, Nov 7
Matisyahu @ Five Points Music Hall, Birmingham, AL, Nov 7
Kenny G @ Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Nov 7
Susan Tedeschi @ Narrows Center, Fall River, MA, Nov 7
Patti Austin @ Bermuda Jazz Festival, Bermuda, Nov 7
Steely Dan @ Star Plaza, Merriville, IN, Nov 7
Steely Dan @ Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN, Nov 8
Kenny G @ Altos de Chavon, La Romana, Dominican Republic, Nov 8
Matisyahu @ House Of Blues, New Orleans, LA, Nov 8
Teena Marie @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Nov 8
Federico Aubele @ Mountain Stage, Charleston, WV, Nov 8
Lee Ritenour @ den Atelier, Luxembourg, Germany, Nov 8
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee, WI, Nov 8
Susan Tedeschi @ Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon, NH, Nov 8
McCoy Tyner @ Terrace Theatre, Washington, DC, Nov 8

Smokey Robinson @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts,
Naples, FL, Nov 8

The Funk Brothers @ Borderline, London, UK, Nov 9

The Funk Brothers, Sherrie Payne, Lynda Laurance @
Jazz Café, London, UK, Nov 10

Matisyahu @ Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC, Nov 10
The Stylistics @ indig02, London, UK, Nov 10
Geoff Eales @ Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, UK, Nov 10
Patti Austin @ Cal State University, Northridge, CA, Nov 10
Lee Ritenour @ Kammgarn, Kaiserslautern, Germany, Nov 10
Keiko Lee @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Nov 10-11
Steely Dan @ Taft Theatre, Cincinnati OH, Nov 10-11

The Funk Brothers, Mable John, Chris Clark, Brenda Holloway @
Jazz Café, London, UK, Nov 11

Matisyahu @ The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC, Nov 11
Alexander O’Neal, Kenny Thomas @ 02 Academy, London, UK, Nov 11
Geoff Eales @ St. Mary’s Chambers, Rawtenstall, UK, Nov 11
Santana @ Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Nov 11,13-15,18, 20-22
Andy Dulfer @ Jazzstage, Leverkusen, Germany, Nov 12
Matisyahu @ The Handlebar, Greenville, SC, Nov 12
Candy Dulfer @ Jazztage. Leverkusen, Germany, Nov 12
The Funk Brothers, Thelma Houston @ Jazz Café, London, UK, Nov 12
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN, Nov 12
Geoff Eales @ Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale, UK, Nov 12

George Benson @ National Academic Opera & Ballet,
Yerevan, Armenia, Nov 12

The Funk Brothers, Thelma Houston, Brenda Holloway, Chris Clark,
Sherrie Payne, Lynda Laurance, Mable John @ The Dome,
Doncaster, UK, Nov 12

McCoy Tyner @ Royce Gall, Los Angeles, CA, Nov 12
The Wailers @ Alys Robinson Stephens PAC, Birmingham, AL, Nov 12
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Mass MoCA, North Adams, MA, Nov 12
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The House Of Blues, Boston, MA, Nov 13
Geoff Eales @ Wakefield Sports Club, Wakefield, UK, Nov 13
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Arie Crown, Chicago, IL, Nov 13
Jazzanova @ Sullivan Room, New York, NY, Nov 13
B.B. King @ Peppermill, Wendover, NV, Nov 13

King Sunny Ade @ Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium,
San Rafael, CA, Nov 13

The Funk Brothers, Thelma Houston, Brenda Holloway, Chris Clark,
Sherrie Payne, Lynda Laurance, Mable John @ HMV Hammersmith
Apollo, UK, Nov 13

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 13-14
Steely Dan @ Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee, WI, Nov 13-14

Tavares, Joe Bataan, Black Ivory, Blue Magic, Heatwave
@ Fernwood Hotel, Bushkill, PA, Nov 13-15

Claudia Acuna @ Jazz Standard, New York, NY, Nov 13-15
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Nokia Theatre, New York, NY, Nov 14
George Benson @ Kremlin Palace, Moscow, Russia, Nov 14
Matisyahu @ Music Farm, Charleston, SC, Nov 14
B.B. King @ Silver Legacy Resort, Reno, NV, Nov 14
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Westcott Theatre, Syracuse, NY, Nov 15
Matisyahu @ Orange Peel, Asheville, NC, Nov 15
B.B. King @ Heritage Theater, Campbell, GA, Nov 15
Polo Orti Quartet feat. Gary Burton @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 15
George Benson @ Heydar Aliyev Palace, Baku Azerbaijan, Nov 16
Matisyahu @ Buster’s Billiards, Lexington, KY, Nov 16
Branford Marsalis @ Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, UK, Nov 16
Steely Dan @ EJ Thomas Auditorium, Akron, OH, Nov 16-17
John Mayer @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY, Nov 17
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Kent Stage, Kent, OH, Nov 17
B.B. King @ Cal State Chico, Chico, CA, Nov 17
Brad Mehldau Trio @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 17-18
Matisyahu @ Norva Theatre, Norfolk, VA, Nov 18
Freda Payne @ RRAZZ Room, San Francisco, CA, Nov 17-22
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI, Nov 18
George Benson @ Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, UAE, Nov 18

Warren Hill, Jonathan Butler, Nick Colionne, Jeff Golub, Euge Groove @
The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, St. James, Jamaica, Nov 18-22

Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Vogue, Indianapolis, IN, Nov 19
George Benson @ Venue TBD, Manama, Bahrain, Nov 19
Queen Latifa @ California Center For The Arts, Escondido, CA, Nov 19
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY, Nov 19
Matisyahu @ House Of Blues, N. Myrtle Beach, SC, Nov 19
B.B. King @ Coussoulis Arena, San Bernadino, CA, Nov 19
Lee Ritenour @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 19-20
Steely Dan @ Tower Theatre, Philadelphia, PA, Nov 19-20
Ashford & Simpson @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Nov 19-22
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The Eagles Club, Milwaukee, WI, Nov 20
Natalie Cole @ Memorial Auditorium, Sacamento, CA, Nov 20
B.B. King @ Centennial Hall, Tucson, AZ, Nov 20
Troyka @ Southbank Centre/Clore Ballroom, London, UK, Nov 20
Chris Botti @ Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ, Nov 20
Tortured Soul @ Double Door, Chicago, IL, Nov 20
Troyka @ Jazz Café, Camden, London, UK, Nov 20
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Academy Of Music, Philadelphia, PA, Nov 20

Candy Dulfer @ Mass Music Jazz aan de Maas, Maastricht,
Netherlands, Nov 20

Chris Botti @ Hershey Theatre, Hershey, PA, Nov 21
Jeffrey Osborne @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Nov 21
Hiroshima @ Orleans, Las Vegas, NV, Nov 21
B.B. King @ Celebrity Theatre, Phoeniz, AZ, Nov 21
Natalie Cole @ Northern Quest Casino, Spokane, WA, Nov 21
Matisyahu @ Sonar, Baltimore, MD, Nov 21
Eric Benet, Ledisi @ The Chrysler Theatre, Norfolk, VA, Nov 21
Medeski Martin & Wood @ The House Of Blues, Chicago, IL, Nov 21
Jeffrey Osborne @ BB Kings, New York, NY, Nov 21
Kenny G @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Springs, CA, Nov 21
Bobby Caldwell @ Fox Theatre, Visalia, CA, Nov 21

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones @ Bergen Performing Arts Center,
Englewood, NJ, Nov 21

George Benson @ Sala Santa Cecilia, Rome, Italy, Nov 22
Kenny G @ The Grove, Anaheim, CA, Nov 22
B.B. King @ Belly Up, Solana Beach, CA, Nov 22
Jeffrey Osborne @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, PA, Nov 22
Matisyahu @ The Palladium, Worchester, MA, Nov 22
U-Nam, Gregg Karukas @ The Cellar, Long Beach, CA, Nov 22
Jeffrey Osborne @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Nov 22
Steely Dan @ Constitution Hall, Washington, DC, Nov 22-23
George Benson @ Teatro Augesteo, Naples, Italy, Nov 23
Matisyahu @ Higher Ground, Burlington, VT, Nov 23
George Benson @ Teatroteam, Bari, Italy, Nov 24
Phillipe Saisse Palladino Trio @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 24
Matisyahu @ Northern Lights, Clifton Park, NY, Nov 24
Chris Botti @ Hillbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, IN, Nov 24
John Mayer @ Sound Academy, Toronto, ON, Nov 24
George Benson @ Teatro Metropolitan, Catania, Italy, Nov 25
Candy Dulfer @ Philharmonic, St. Petersburg, Russia, Nov 25
Steely Dan @ Massey Hall, Toronto, ON, Nov 25-26
Marcus Miller @ The Blue Note, Milan, Italy, Nov 25-27
Zero 7 @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC, Nov 26
Zero 7 @ Terminal 5, New York, NY, Nov 27
Boney James @ Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA, Nov 27
O’Jays @ Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ, Nov 27
Will Downing @ Lyric Opera House, Baltimore, MD, Nov 27
Candy Dulfer @ International House Of Music, Moscow, Russia, Nov 27

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL, Nov 27

Dave Brubeck @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, Nov 27-29

Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White @ The Blue Note,
Tokyo, Japan, Nov 27-30

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Van Wexel Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, FL, Nov 28

Zero 7 @ House Of Blues, Boston, MA, Nov 28
Matisyahu @ Borgata, Atlantic City, NJ, Nov 28
Federico Aubele @ Oran Mor, Glasgow, SCT, Nov 28
Inner Circle @ Congress Theater, Chicago, IL, Nov 28
Will Downing @ The Landmark Theatre, Richmond, VA, Nov 28
Brian Culberton, Michael Lington @ Anthology, San Diego, CA, Nov 28
Steely Dan @ Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Montreal, QC, Nov 28-29
Matisyahu @ Olympia Theatre, Montreal, QC, Nov 29
Zero 7 @ TLA, Philadelphia, PA, Nov 29
Federico Aubele @ The Social, London, UK, Nov 29

Dave Koz, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Dreyfoos Hall, West Palm Beach, FL, Nov 29

Matisyahu @ The Phoenix, Toronto, ON, Nov 30

Dave Koz, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell, Peter White @
Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Nov 30

Zero 7 @ Ram’s Head, Baltimore, MD, Nov 30
Federico Aubele @ The Academy 2, Dublin, IRE, Nov 30
Shalamar @ indig02, London, UK, Nov 30

NEW RELEASES: CAFE LOUNGE, CHILL-OUT JAZZ, LONDON CHILL, NEW YORK SMOOTH, PARIS LOUNGE & MORE...

4 Hero & Others – Extensions
Adrian Crutchfield – Private Party
Alfred Shorter Jr. – Just Between Friends
Aretha Franklin – Just A Matter Of Time: Classic Columbia Recordings
Bobby Hutcherson – Wise One
Brenda Holloway – The Early Years: Rare Recordings
Bria Valente - Elixir
Brian Setzer Orchestra – Songs From Lonely Avenue
DJ King Flow – It’s Hard Being Fifteen
Danice A. Nelson & Mark Drummond – 2 Smooth 4 Words
David Boswell – I Like That
Dionne Bromfield – Introducing Dionne Bromfield
Elan Troutman – This Time Around
Forro In The Dark – Light A Candle
Greg Adams – East Bat Soul
Helena Jessie – The Law Of Attraction
Jason Weber – Five 5
Joe - Signature
Jukka Eskola – Walkover
Martin Kember - Cycles
Melanie Fiona – The Bridge
Michael Buble – Crazy Love
Mimi Jones – A New Day
Nina Simone – Original Album Classics: Nuff Said/To Love Somebody/Black Gold/It Is Finished/And Piano
Pink Martini – Splendor In The Grass
Quiet Nights Orchestra – Chapter One
Rhythm ‘N’ Jazz – Party Nights
Robert Glasper – Double Booked
Sarah Brightman – Amalfi Sarah Brightman Love Songs
Steve Baxter – Sugar On The Bone
Toni Hill – Only Love
Various Artists – Berlin Lounge
Various Artists – Café Lounge: Cigarette Copenhagen Blue
Various Artists – Chill-Out Jazz
Various Artists – Jazz Swings Motown
Various Artists – London Chill
Various Artists – New York Smooth
Various Artists – Nu Moods
Varous Artists – Om Lounge: 15th Anniversary Edition
Various Artists – Paris Beats
Various Artists – Six Senses By Claude Challe
Various Artists – Twilight Lounge
Walter Beasley- Free Your Mind

STING - IF ON A WINTER'S NIGHT...LIVE FROM DURHAM CATHEDRAL

On November 24, Deutsche Grammophon will release a special, live concert performance on DVD entitled, Sting: A Winter's Night...Live from Durham Cathedral. Filmed at the magnificent Durham Cathedral near Sting's hometown of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in Northern England, the DVD features music off his forthcoming album, If On A Winter's Night... in-stores, October 27. Recorded in HD and produced by Universal Music Classical Management & Productions (UMCMP), in association with Thirteen for WNET.ORG, the program will premiere on PBS's Great Performances series on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, November 26 at 9 p.m.

Sting: A Winter's Night...Live from Durham Cathedral captures the artist in the unique setting of England's most famous cathedral. Standing on a peninsula overlooking the River Wear in Durham, the one thousand year old UNESCO world heritage building is one of the most iconic landmarks of Northern England. Inside Durham Cathedral, the architecture and atmosphere is as equally inspiring and it is in this setting that Sting was joined by guest musicians including local Newcastle artists Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian pipes and fiddle), Peter Tickell (fiddle) and Julian Sutton (Melodeon). Other performers from around the world also include Dominic Miller (guitar), Vincent Segal (cello), Scottish harpist Mary Macmaster, Ira Coleman (bass), Chris Gekker (trumpet), David Mansfield (violin and mandolin), Cyro Baptista, Bashiri Johnson and Rhani Krija (percussion) and vocalists Laila Biali, Lisa Fischer, Jo Lawry, and Steven Santoro. Producer, Robert Sadin conducted the ensemble of 35 musicians, which includes additional string and brass sections.

Both the new album and DVD conjure the mood and spirit of the season with a diverse collection of songs, carols and lullabies spanning the centuries. Featuring traditional music of the British Isles as its starting point, Sting and guest musicians interpret stirring, folk-based melodies including "The Snow it Melts the Soonest" (traditional Newcastle ballad), "Soul Cake" (traditional English "begging" song), "Christmas at Sea" (traditional Scottish song) "Gabriel's Message" (14th century carol), "Balulalow" (lullaby by Peter Warlock) and "Now Winter Comes Slowly" (Henry Purcell). Two of Sting's own compositions are also featured: "Lullaby for an Anxious Child" and "The Hounds of Winter," which originally appeared on his previous release Mercury Falling. In addition, the DVD programme features a setting of the "Coventry Carol" in which Sting and musicians are joined by the Durham Cathedral Boys' Choir, as well as songs not included on the album - Peter Warlock's haunting "Bethlehem Down", a lively arrangement of the traditional song "I Saw Three Ships" and Sting's own "Ghost Story".

http://www.sting.com/

JOHN MAYER - BATTLE STUDIES

John Mayer will perform at the Beacon Theatre on Tuesday, November 17 at 9pm to celebrate the release of Battle Studies, his first studio album in three years. The special event, which will also air live in HD that evening on Fuse, is presented by Fuse, Madison Square Garden’s national music television network, and MSG Entertainment. To kick off the live telecast of “John Mayer Live From the Beacon Theatre,” Fuse will support the release of his new album with programming throughout November, including a personal and revealing one-on-one interview special with the artist. Fuse host Steven Smith sits down with Mayer for a candid conversation about his new album, his latest collaborations and plans for the future. Fuse will air additional shows such as “Loaded: John Mayer,” a half-hour of John Mayer’s greatest music videos including his latest single Who Says, plus encore presentations of “John Mayer Live From the Beacon Theatre” and the interview special.

As of today, John Mayer fans can log on to Fuse.tv/johnmayer to find photos, tweets, live blogging and more. The site will feature exclusive live behind-the-scenes footage backstage, during the sound check and after the show, giving fans a can’t miss, one-of-a-kind multi-screen event. “Fuse and MSGE are utilizing their distinct relationship to celebrate a great musician and his new album by connecting John Mayer with his fans in a unique way only we can deliver,” said Mike Bair, president, MSG Media. “Whether they’re at the Beacon Theatre or in their living room watching the concert on Fuse in HD, music lovers will experience a can’t miss performance as well as exclusive and compelling programming both before and after the show on-air, online and via mobile.” “The magic of seeing John Mayer live in one of our iconic venues is something that cannot be duplicated, but it can be shared,” said Jay Marciano, president, MSG Entertainment. “To take what would be an experience originally designed for 2,800 people to more than 65 million households across the U.S. through our national music network, Fuse, and couple that with unique programming and online elements is just one of several ways that artists that play our venues are able to connect with their fans in meaningful ways.”

John Mayer's Battle Studies, scheduled to be released on Columbia Records on November 17, the same day as the live event, will be the fourth studio album for the seven-time Grammy Award winner. The album was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan and debuts three years after his critically acclaimed 2006 album, Continuum. The album incorporates 70’s and 80’s California rock/pop influences and includes a collaboration with music sensation Taylor Swift, on the track "Half of My Heart."

The legendary and newly-restored Beacon Theatre recently hosted the grand re-opening of the theatre following a 7-month, $16-million restoration and featured seminal artist Paul Simon with special guest Art Garfunkel. This intimate rock room has recently played host to many of the music industry’s most highly anticipated and sought after shows including the 40th anniversary spring run of the Allman Brothers Band with various special guests; the Martin Scorsese documentary film of the Rolling Stones, “Shine a Light”; and a performance by the legendary and reclusive folk artist Leonard Cohen to name a few. John Mayer fans will now have the opportunity to see the band at the 2,800-seat Beacon Theatre on the same day that Mayer’s studio album, Battle Studies, is released.

www.local-83.com
www.fuse.tv/johnmayer.

KEVON EDMONDS - WHO KNEW

Singer Kevon Edmonds is making a dramatic return to recording after nearly a decade of absence with the dreamy "Oh," the 1st single that is quickly moving up the charts towards Top 10 on Billboard's Hot Adult R & B Airplay Chart and on Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles Chart from his Make Entertainment CD, Who Knew (distributed by EMI). Produced by Greg Curtis, the song howcases Edmonds' yearning high tenor in a manner that will have ladies swooning all over again. The beloved song stylist is set to appear and perform on The MoNique Show (check local listings for announcement of guests) and the revamped Soul Train Awards, airing Sunday, November 29th at 9:00 p.m. on BET's new network, CENTRIC (formerly BETJ).

"Oh" speaks to relationships," Edmonds shares, "It's about reconnecting with that person that you're involved with and moving forward in a positive way. People today aren't as grounded as they used to be... They don't go into the union of marriage cognizant of what is truly required. Too often we allow little things to put a wedge between us. I've lived long enough to see people I've known who divorced then look back with regret realizing they didn't stick together long enough to make things work. This speaks to people about fighting for a good thing through the rough patch. If you're fortunate enough to have love in your life, you've got to recognize it and work to hold on to it." As with most songs Edmonds sings, he took into careful consideration the impact that the song would have when he performed it before an audience. "There's an intro I do live that speaks to the importance of how I just described the song," he continues. "I was thinking about the way Rick James opened 'Fire and Desire,' but my way. When I get through, you're ready for somebody to drop some serious love music on you." Kevon has been doing just that throughout his distinguished career.

With two decades of faithful, soulful service under his belt, Kevon Edmonds is among R&B/Pop music's most adored vocalists and songwriters. As the founder and lead singer of vocal trio After 7, Kevon serenaded lovers around the globe with such hits as "Ready or Not" and "Can't Stop" (both reaching #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 R&B Chart and attaining Top 10 status on Billboard's Pop singles Chart). His voice remains a favorite among fans of movie and television thanks to After 7's hits "Nights Like This" (from The Five Heartbeats movie), "Gonna Love You Right" (from Sugar Hill) and the Adult Contemporary smash "Not Enough Hours in the Night" (from the Beverly Hills 90210 television soundtrack). With After 7, Kevon scored a multi-platinum selling debut album, two Gold albums, three Gold singles, seven Top Ten radio singles and three Gold soundtracks. Kevon then co-executive produced his solo debut, 24/7 alongside his brother, pop music icon Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The title track of the 1999 release, "24/7," rose to #2 at R&B radio, crossed over to Pop, and sent the 24/7 CD to Gold status.

Now living in Nashville, the Indianapolis-born vocalist completed a soulful new project with the help of hot producers/songwriters Greg Curtis, Kadis & Sean, Kevin Randolph, Damon Thomas and Jayshaw Champion, his talented nephews Jason Edmonds and Dave Edmonds, along with Aaron Pettigrew and Karl Antoine. Edmonds explains, "I wanted to create a body of work that will take listeners on a musical journey - bridging the gap between the R&B of old and R&B of today. I had my ear on a couple of young producers, but I was not using them to pursue a 'youthful' sound. My goal is to open the ears of today's young R&B listeners so they can hear where the music they listen to really comes from. I simply want to bring back the magic of love and romance." To illustrate his point, Edmonds refers to a remake of "Never Let You down" that he recently recorded for the project Silky Soul Music…An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. "I recently performed that song at a show in Rozelle, New Jersey," Edmonds shares. "I spoke to the crowd about the importance of paying tribute not to just our fallen soldiers but those still with us. Frankie Beverly is one of those. His band Maze is the Black equivalent of the Grateful Dead in the way they bring out faithful fans every time they do a concert - whether they have a new album out or not! He's impacted the fabric of our culture for a stretch of time."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcL2ONdq4wY

BARRY WHITE - UNLIMITED

Unlimited, produced by UMe in association with the Barry White estate, is an 5-disc extraordinary rarities collection celebrating Barry’s depth as an artist songwriter, producer and genius Groove Master – and honoring his memory in the year he would have turned 65 years old. Unlimited presents 72 tracks from when he stepped out with his own sound, with Love Unlimited in 1972, through his final studio album, the Grammy®-winning Staying Power, released in 1999. Highlighted throughout the four CDs are extended and/or rare versions of his hits – newly mixed and/or edited with great care by Jack Perry, BW’s longtime friend and collaborator – as well as never-compiled personal favorites and LP tracks. Of particular delight to Barry White fans is two discs’ worth of rare Barry productions for a dozen different artists, including Tom Brock, Love Unlimited, Love Unlimited Orchestra, Gene Page, Jimmie & Vella Cameron, Westwing, Jay Dee (a.k.a. Jackie Lee), White Heat and Gloria Scott, who is represented by an unreleased cut and a rare non-LP single – one of six single-only tracks in this set. A special DVD included in Unlimited offers every video from Barry White’s tenure on A&M Records – the hits “Practice What You Preach,” “Sho’ You Right,” “Come On” and eight more – as well as rare bonus clips, including a live duet with Luciano Pavarotti that has become a YouTube phenomenon; each clip has bonus commentary from Jack Perry. The set is housed in lavish packaging befitting Barry’s deluxe grooves. Inside, the set including an essay and selected commentary by Barry himself, and by Perry, with additional notes from Quincy Jones – revealing the stories behind the songs and the man who made some of the funkiest, most romantic music of all time.

Disc 1
1. I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Baby - Alternate Version
2. Never Never Gonna Give Ya Up - Alternate Version
3. Honey Please, Can’t Ya See - Alternate Version
4. Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe - Alternate Version
5. You’re The First, The Last, My Everything - Alternate Version
6. I’ll Do For You Anything You Want Me To - Alternate Version
7. What Am I Gonna Do With You - Alternate Version
8. Let Me Live My Life Lovin’ You Babe
9. You See The Trouble With Me
10. Let The Music Play - Alternate Version
11. Don’t Make Me Wait Too Long - Alternate Version
12. Your Love–So Good I Can Taste It
13. I’m Qualified To Satisfy You - Alternate Version
14. I’ve Got So Much To Give

Disc 2
1. Playing Your Game, Baby - Alternate Version
2. It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me -Alternate Version
3. You Turned My Whole World Around
4. Your Sweetness Is My Weakness – Alternate 12-Inch Version
5. It Ain’t Love, Babe (Until You Give It) - Special Disco Version
6. Ghetto Letto
7. Sheet Music - Alternate Version
8. Ella Es Todo Para Mi (She’s Everything To Me)
9. Barry & Glodean – Our Theme, Pts. 1 & 2
10. Love Song
11. Good Dancin’ Music
12. You’re What’s On My Mind - Non-LP Single
13. Super Lover - Undercover Mix
14. Don’t Play Games

Disc 3
1. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Midnight And You - Alternate Version
2. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Baby Blues
3. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Love’s Theme - Alternate Version
4. Love Unlimited Orchestra/My Sweet Summer Suite - 12-Inch Promo Version
5. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Theme From King Kong - 12-Inch Disco Version
6. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Sweet Moments - Non-LP Single
7. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Whisper Softly
8. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Welcome Aboard
9. Love Unlimited/Walkin’ In The Rain With The One I Love
10. Love Unlimited/It May Be Winter Outside (But In My Heart It’s Spring) - Alternate Version
11. Love Unlimited/Under The Influence Of Love - Alternate Version
12. Love Unlimited/I Belong To You - Alternate Version
13. Love Unlimited/He’s All I’ve Got
14. Love Unlimited/High Steppin’, Hip Dressin’ Fella - Alternate Version

Disc 4
1. Tom Brock/I Love You More And More
2. Tom Brock/If We Don’t Make It Nobody Can - Non-LP Single Version
3. Jay Dee/Strange Funky Games And Things
4. Jimmie & Vella Cameron/Be Fair To Me
5. Gene Page/Satin Soul
6. Gloria Scott- Just As Long As We’re Together (In My Life There Will Never Be Another) - Alternate Version
7. Gloria Scott/I’ve Got To Have All Of You- Previously Unreleased
8. Smoke/Oh Love (Well, We Finally Made It) - Non-LP Single
9. Jay Dee/You’ve Changed
10. White Heat/Take A Look At Yourself (Before You Frown On Someone Else)
11. Black Satin Featuring Fred Parris/How I Wish We Could Do It Again
12. Westwing/Falling In Love Is A No No – Non-LP Single
13. Tom Brock/Have A Nice Weekend Baby
14. Danny Pearson/What’s Your Sign Girl
15. Quincy Jones Featuring Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, El DeBarge & Barry White/The Erotic Garden
16. Tina Turner Featuring Barry White/In Your Wildest Dreams

DVD
1. Sho’ You Right
2. I Wanna Do It Good To Ya
3. When Will I See You Again
4. Follow That And See (Where It Leads Y’all)
5. Put Me In Your Mix
6. Barry White Featuring Isaac Hayes/Dark & Lovely
7. Practice What You Preach
8. Come On
9. I Only Want To Be With You
10. Just The Way You Are
11. I Wanna Do It Good To Ya – Wet Remix
12. Let The Music Play – Funkstar’s Club Deluxe Mix Video
13. Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up – Live From Brussels
14. Barry White & Luciano Pavarotti/You’re The First, The Last, My Everything Live

BOBBY HUTCHERSON - WISE ONE

Easily one of jazz's greatest vibraphonists, Bobby Hutcherson epitomized his instrument in relation to the era in which he came of age the way Lionel Hampton did with swing or Milt Jackson with bop. He isn't as well-known as those two forebears, perhaps because he started out in less-accessible territory when he emerged in the '60s playing cerebral, challenging modern jazz that often bordered on avant-garde. Along with Gary Burton, the other seminal vibraphone talent of the '60s, Hutcherson helped modernize his instrument by redefining what could be done with it — sonically, technically, melodically, and emotionally. In the process, he became one of the defining (if underappreciated) voices in the so-called "new thing" portion of Blue Note's glorious '60s roster. Hutcherson gradually moved into a more mainstream, modal post-bop style that, if not as adventurous as his early work, still maintained his reputation as one of the most advanced masters of his instrument. Bobby Hutcherson’s new release, Wise One, is a prime example of slow-building and soulful vibes from Hutcherson - working here in set of tracks with a heavy influence from John Coltrane, including some key classics from the Coltrane songbook, plus a few standards that have had famous readings by The Great One! Hutcherson's vibes ring out with a sense of majesty that we don't remember before – carried along by some great work from the rest of the group -- Anthony Wilson on guitar, Joe Gilman on piano, Glenn Richman on bass, and Eddie Marshall on drums – players who hit a sweet modal groove on some of the best numbers, with a quality that almost takes us back to some of our favorite Hutcherson moments of the 70s. Titles include "Wise One", "Like Sonny", "Equinox", "Spiritual", "Dear Lord", "All Or Nothing At All", "Nancy", and "Aisha".

FELABRATIONS 2009!

In support of the Knitting Factory Records re-launch of Fela Kuti’s music catalogue, as well as the debut of the FELA! show on Broadway, Giant Step Records is organizing official Felabration events in more than 15 cities across North America throughout the month of October; this outstanding schedule of Felabrations will bring together some of the best DJs, musicians, and promoters around to celebrate the life, music, and birthday of Fela Anikulapo Kuti (October 15, 1938 - August 2, 1997). These events will unite the diverse communities and Tastemakers across the country that are instrumental in keeping Fela’s music alive. The original Felabrations date back to the early 1970s when Fela and his band took over the courtyard of the Empire Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, and performed several nights a week to thousands of worshipping fans. “The Shrine,” as the courtyard came to be known, became a very popular nightspot and the audience was made up of everyone from the youths of Lagos to professors, civil servants, government officials and even soldiers. And of course, the Shrine was a center for much more than music. To quote Michael E. Veal in his book, Fela: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon, “more than a mere entertainment club, Fela considered it an actual shrine to his ideological heroes - a space in which his political inclinations fused with musical incantations to assume spiritual dimensions.” Now, Felabration is an annual festival dedicated to the promotion of Afrobeat and African culture and to the preservation of Fela’s legend and artistry. Fela would have been 71 on October 15.

Felabrations October 2009 Event Listings
10/12 - HOUSTON
Rocksteady Mondays presents: Felabration! w/ DJ Sun & DJ Chicken George @ The Flat

10/12 - PORTLAND
Felabration! w/ Rev. Shines, DJ Santo & more @ Someday Lounge

10/14 - NEW YORK CITY (BROOKLYN)
Voodoo Funk & Giant Step present: Felabration! w/ DJ Frank Gossner and Ikebe Shakedown @ The Knitting Factory

10/14 - MIAMI
The Electric Pickle, Champion Sound, & Giant Step present: Felabration! w/ DJs Mr. Brown, Sire Esq, & A-Train + special guest Djinji Brown @ The Electric Pickle

10/14 - OAKLAND
Soul.Profess presents: RECESS / Felabration! w/ special guest DJ Cecil & live performance by Delina Brooks @ AIR Lounge

10/15 - NEW YORK CITY (DOWNTOWN)
Jump’n'Funk, Libation, FELA! & S.O.B.’s present: Felabration! w/ DJ’s Rich Medina & Ian Friday @ S.O.B.’s

10/15 - LOS ANGELES
Afro Funke’ presents: Felabration! w/ DJ Nu-Mark, Amon (on percussion), resident DJs Jeremy Sole & Glenn Red, host Rocky Dawuni + special guests @ Zanzibar

10/15 - SEATTLE
SunTzu & Giant Step present: Blueprint / Felabration! w/ SunTzu Sound DJs, special guest Ohmega Watts, & more @ Grey Gallery & Lounge

10/15 - MEXICO (Playa Del Carmen)
Uhuru Afrika presents: Fela Lives! w/ DJs Adam Gibbons, Sabine, & more @ Mi Casa Es Su Casa Holiday

10/15 - PHILADELPHIA
Flygirrl presents: Candyland / Felabration Tribute w/ DJ Mike Nyce @ The Arts Garage

10/16 - LOS ANGELES
Footlong Development & Frolab present: Jump’n'Funk w/ DJ Rich Medina + opening set by DJ Marvski @ Tantra

10/16 - CHICAGO
Listen:Up presents Felabration! w/ DJ Ron Trent & DJ Spinna @ The Shrine

10/17 - SAN FRANCISCO
Giant Step presents: Jump’n'Funk w/ DJ Rich Medina @ 330 Ritch

10/17 - WASHINGTON, D.C.
ESL & Giant Step present: Felabration! w/ DJ Day & live performance by The Donvonte McCoy Sextet feat. Mavis Water @ ESL

10/17 - DENVER
Afroblu presents: Felabration! w/ DJ Santos, resident DJs RJ Duran & CES, and special guests @ The Union

10/24 - BOSTON
Uhuru Afrika presents: Fela Lives! w/ DJ’s: Adam Gibbons, Max Pela, KC Hallett aka KCiv, percussion by Sidy Maiga, & special performance by WUNMI @ All Asia Bar

10/24 - ATLANTA
Spread Love, Jump’n'Funk, & Hot Ice present Felabration! w/ Roy Ayers, Rich Medina, DJ Kemit, Mausiki Scales & Common Ground Collective, DJ Ausar @ 595 North

10/31 - NEW YORK CITY (HARLEM)
Uhuru Afrika + Soul Funktion present: Fela Lives! w/ DJs: Adam Gibbons, Offbeat, DJ OBah, live percussion by Sidy Maiga, and live performance by Amayo’s Fu-Arkestra @ The Shrine

THE SOUL LOUNGE 6

The Soul Lounge series returns with a 3-CD package with 40 tracks in all. This collection is overflowing with contemporary soul cuts from both sides of the Atlantic - great material from UK labels Dome and Expansion. The Soul Lounge 6 presents an overview of the best of the underground -- or an essential way to augment your collection with some well-selected bits from favorite albums. Titles include "Change For Me (Joey Negro mix)" by Eric Roberson, “Last Night” by Seek, ”In Motion” by Tortured Soul, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Incognito, “Life” by Hil St. Soul, "Stop Breaking My Heart" by Rahsaan Patterson, "Life" by Hil St Soul, "Radio" by Heston, "Wonderful" by Brenda Boykin, "When You Call My Name" by Frank McComb, "Salt Sea" by Julie Dexter & Khari Simmons, “Radio” by Heston, “Get Away” by Angela Johnson feat. Gordon Chambers, “Part Of My Life” by Anthony David, “Never Ending” by Joslyn, “God Created Woman” by Martha Redbone, "Get Something" by Andreus, "Sweet Baby" by George Duke, “When You Call My Name” by Frank McComb, "Friend Of Mine" by Cooly's Hot Box, "Calma (Louie Vega mix)" by Bah Samba, “Starship” by Conya Doss, "Home To You (Ethan White rmx)" by Tortured Soul, "Perfect Love" by Full Flava with Alison Limerick, “Get Somethin’ by Andreus, “Higher Love” by Maysa”, "Break Up 2 Make Up" by Sam Bostic, “The Message” by Brenda Russell, "The Traveller (part 2)" by Haggis Horns, and “Wonderful” by Brenda Boykin, “Natural” by Don-E, "Pastime Paradise" by Sunlightsquare.

NEW RELEASES FROM FRANK SINATRA, MELBA MOORE & PHIL PERRY, N'DAMBI, STING & MORE...

Al Jarreau – The Very Best: An Excellent Adventure
Andrew Nes – Try Something New
Art Sherrod Jr. - Seasons
Barbra Streisand – Love Is The Answer
Breakestra – Dusk Till Dawn
DJ Cam Presents InLove-Stories
DJ Cam Quartet – Diggin’
Earth Wind & Fire – The Collection
Earth Wind & Fire – The Music Of Earth Wind & Fire
Fire (Mats Gustafsson) – You Like Me Five Minutes Ago
Frank Sinatra – Christmas With Sinatra & Friends
Frank Sinatra – The Collection
Frank Sinatra – The Music Of Frank Sinatra
Freddie Jackson – Diamond Collection
Gerald Wilson - Detroit
Guiltypleasures – Lovestories
Hakon Kornstad – Dwell Time
Havard Stubo Quartet – Way Up (Way Down)
IPA – Lorena
Isley Brothers – The Music Of The Isley Brothers
Jason Adasiewics Rolldown – Varmint
Jazztronik – Early Years 2003-2006: Pathway Through The Decade
Jiva & Others – Reloved & Beloving: The Remix Album
Kenny G – The Music Of Kenny G
Khari Lemeul – Morning Music
Kim Davis – Live, Learn, Love
Latimore – All About The Rhythm And The Blues
Luther Vandross – The Collection
Manhattan Transfer – The Chick Corea Songbook
Manu Dibango – Makossa Man: The Very Best Of Manu Dibango
Maria Muldaur – Maria Muldaur & Her Garden Of Joy
Marie Digby – Second Home
Melba Moore & Phil Perry – The Gift Of Love
MeShell Ndegeocello – Devil’s Halo
Michael McDonald – This Christmas
Miles Davis – The Collection
Miles Davis – The Music Of Miles Davis
N’Dambi – Pink Elephant
Nicolay – City Light Vol. 2: Shibuya
Poncho Sanchez – Psychedelic Blues
Ramsey Lewis – Songs From The Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey
Ray Charles – Genius Hits The Road
Robin Duhe – Life
Rodrigo Amado/Kent Kesslet/Paal Nilssen-Love – Abstract Truth
Santana – Marathon: 30th Anniversary Edition
Saunders sermons- Classic Delight
Seamus Blake - Bellwether
Soil & “Pimp” Sessions – 6
Soul 4 Introducing Mattia Cigalini – Arriving Soon
Speedometer – Soul Groovin’
Sting – If On A Winter’s Night
Sweep – I’m Ready
Tina Turner – Tina Live
Tracy Hamlin – Better Days
Uptown Funk Empire – Empire Strikes Back
Various Artists – Brazilution: Summer Edition 2009
Various Artists – Erotic Lounge Vol. 8
Various Artists – Havana Lounge: Musica de Cuba
Various Artists – Prive: The Lounge Anthology
Various Artists - Real Ibiza Chill Out Vol. 3
Various Artists – Samba Club Night
Various Artists – Soul Togetherness 2009
Wadada Leo Smith – Spiritual Dimensions
Wayne Jones – Saturday Street

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS - A SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS

Dave Koz, the Grammy-winning saxophonist is planning the next excursion of the annual Smooth Jazz Christmas tour. He’ll join forces with the tour's original cast--trumpeter Rick Braun, pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White and keyboardist Brenda Russell--for the trek, which begins Nov. 27 in Mobile, AL. The holiday outing will visit theaters in 21 cities before concluding Dec. 22 in Mesa, AZ. Details are shown below. Koz and friends will perform tracks from their respective catalogs, as well as songs from the tour's namesake album, A Smooth Jazz Christmas By Dave Koz & Friends, which was released in 2001. Koz has also released two other holiday collections: 1997's December Makes Me Feel This Way and 2007's Memories Of A Winter's Night. Last September, the he released his first retrospective, Dave Koz Greatest Hits, which includes "You Make Me Smile," "Can't Let You Go (The Sha La Song)" and "Faces of the Heart."

Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour Dates
November 2009
27 - Mobile, AL - Saenger Theatre
28 - Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
29 - West Palm Beach, FL - Dreyfoos Hall
30 - Naples, FL - Philharmonic Center for the Arts

December 2009
2 - Melbourne, FL - King Center for Performing Arts
3 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
4 - Cleveland, OH - Playhouse Square
5 - Chicago, IL - Auditorium Theatre
6 - Columbus, OH - Palace Theatre
7 - Newport News, VA - Ferguson Center for the Arts
8 - Waterbury, CT - Palace Theater
9 - Morristown, NJ - Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
11 - San Francisco, CA - Nob Hill Masonic Center
12 - San Diego, CA - Copley Symphony Hall
13 - Palm Desert, CA - McCallum Theatre
15 - Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
17 - El Paso, TX - The Plaza Theatre
18 - Sacramento, CA - Radisson Hotel Sacramento
19, 20 - Cerritos, CA - Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
22 - Mesa, AZ - Mesa Arts Center

JOSHUA BELL - AT HOME WITH FRIENDS

Joshua Bell’s new album, At Home With Friends, the Grammy Award-winning violinist fulfills a life-long career dream of recording a CD of instrumental and vocal duets with a diverse group of artists including Chris Botti, Sting, Josh Groban, Kristin Chenoweth, Regina Spektor, Anoushka Shankar, Marvin Hamlisch, Tiempo Libre, among others. Bell is one of America’s most celebrated violinists and has changed the face of classical music since he first appeared on stage with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of 14. Among the more than 30 CDs Bell has recorded, his performances for Sony Classical film soundtracks also include The Red Violin, which won the Oscar for Best Original Score; the Classical Brit-nominated Ladies in Lavender; and the Academy Award-winning film Iris, in an original score by James Horner. Bell’s most recent soundtrack recordings for Sony Classical are Angels & Demons and Defiance. September 29, At Home With Friends took the #1 spot on both Billboard's Classical and Classical Crossover charts, and the #2 position on the Heatseekers Chart.

The concept of At Home With Friends was inspired by Bell's long-time practice of holding 'musical soirees' at his New York residence - eclectic gatherings of musicians, actors, comics, literary figures and others who convene for the sheer joy of sharing their art in an informal setting. With this in mind, Bell has spent the past four years designing and building his home in Manhattan to accommodate the ideal 'stay-at-home' venue. With more than 30 original albums to his credit, Bell has captured the public's attention like no other classical violinist of his time, enchanting audiences worldwide with his breathtaking playing and tone of rare beauty, as performed on his legendary Stradivarius violin made in 1713. Equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra leader, Bell has earned countless awards and honors for his work as a concert stage performer and recording artist. He has won multiple Grammy awards and was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize. His 2004 album Romance of the Violin was named the "Classical CD of the Year" by Billboard Magazine, with Bell named "Classical Artist of the Year." In the national spotlight since age 14 (when he made his acclaimed orchestral debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra), and a recording artist since age 18, Bell has been an exclusive Sony Music artist for more than a decade.

Acclaimed for the wide range of music he has chosen to record, Bell's output ranges from mainstream classical concertos by Sibelius and Beethoven, a live recording with the Berlin Philharmonic (Tchaikovsky concerto), the bluegrass inspired Short Trip Home - from the jazz influenced Gershwin Fantasy, to the Bernstein-inspired West Side Story Suite and many others. His interest in film is particularly notable, having performed all the violin solos in The Red Violin, helping the film win an Oscar for the "Best Original Score" (written by John Corigliano). He has received recognition beyond his awards that are not common to most classical artists, having been the first musician to have a classical music video played on VH1, to appearing as himself on Sesame Street and alongside Meryl Streep in Music of the Heart.

At Home With Friends Track Listing:
I Loves You Porgy - featuring Chris Botti, trumpet
Come Again - featuring Sting, vocals
Oblivion - featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Cinema Paradiso - featuring Josh Groban, vocals
Para Ti - featuring Tiempo Libre, various
My Funny Valentine - featuring Kristin Chenoweth, vocals
Maybe So - featuring Edgar Meyer, Double-bass, Sam Bush, Mandolin and Mike Marshall, Guitar
Grieg: Sonata No. 3 - featuring Sergei Rachmaninoff (Zenph re-performance)
Eleanor Rigby - featuring Frankie Moreno, piano & vocals
O, Cease Thy Maiden Fair - Nathan Gunn, baritone
Il Postino - featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Left Hand Song - featuring Regina Spektor, piano & vocals
Chovendo Na Roseira - featuring Dave Grusin, piano
Look Away - featuring Edgar Meyer, bass and Chris Thile, mandolin
Variant Moods: Duet for Sitar & Violin (abridged version) - featuring Anoushka Shankar, sitar
I'll Take Manhattan - featuring Marvin Hamlisch, piano

http://www.sonymasterworks.com/
http://www.joshuabell.com/